Daniel Anderson aids Manly in WCC

While their simultaneous entry into the Rugby League World in 1947 made them bitter rivals forever-more; Parramatta and Manly joined forces this week as Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler and his team of assistants asked to meet up with Eels and former St Helens man Daniel Anderson in a bid to get inside information in the lead up to the 2009 World Club Challenge against Leeds.

It’s believed that Manly coaching assistant Noel Cleal played a role in setting up the meeting, the former Eels assistant having a strong relationship with Anderson during their time at Parramatta in the lower grade coaching ranks.

Hasler caught up with Daniel Anderson over coffee earlier this week, where the Eels gave a run down on his experience in the UK – hopefully giving Hasler the edge on outsmarting the Leeds Rhinos.

Since leaving the NZ Warriors several years ago, Anderson achieved much during his 4-year tenure with English powerhouse St Helens. Anderson forging an impressive win record and reaffirming his standing in the Rugby League world as a market leading coach.

Manly are due to face Leeds Sunday week for the WCC where just under 40,000 passionate Poms will chant for their team at Elland Road.

“Daniel’s information was thorough and quality,” said former Eels coaching memeber, not Manly assistant Noel Cleal.

“Daniel spent a lot of time over in England and helped us to understand what we can and can’t do over there.”

In the Super League, Anderson had an enviable win loss record – standing at 57 from 77 matches, where he also took out the 2006 Challenge Cup and Super League title, brought the World Club Challenge title home to St Helens in 2007 and was a Super League runner-up.

“I worked with Daniel at the Eels previously and he is a top coach and well worthy of a chat before such a game,” said Cleal.

“Des is taking it pretty seriously. Not just for the fact it’s the World Club Challenge but also because it’s our only two trial games.”

Hasler and his Sea Eagles left for England on Sunday evening, at a time when Manly is in the clutches of a bitter ownership showdown.

The Sea Eagles have arranged a trial match against the London Harlequins this Sunday morning, however Hasler isn’t believed to be fielding his strongest lineup during this game.

In the latest developments at the Manly club, Max Delmege is believed to have paid his sponsorship dues and has now called for Scott Penn to resign from the chairperson position at the club. Delmege strongly appealing to the public for support, claiming he was the man that saved Manly in its hour of need – as he attempts to out point Penn and insider Peter Peters.